This is my first post to the list and I will start with an introduction about my search for HOOKER families. My mother-in-law is searching for this, her father's family, and has found some brick walls. It seems that her ancestors very elusive. She doesn't have a computer to do her research, so I am trying to help her in that respect. Since they are so hard to find, she's leery of closet skeletons and has been hesitant about giving me information, because she is insecure about having family information on the Internet. I have tried to assure her that I will not share anything on a web site that would be embarrassing to her family, and would request that all such info should be sent to my private address for review before I share it with the list. I hope this is okay, because I need to keep her respect for my honor and desire to really help and not just be nosy. I will certainly appreciate your help with my search. Now, for my first post... John Perry Hooker , b. 1821 in SC, married Matilda Smith ? b. 1819 He is listed as a head of household in the 1840 census in Kershaw CO SC. My resource tells me that there are two males included in this household, who be cause of their age are probably younger brothers, and two females, who are his daughters. The names of these folks are: Moses Hooker, and Joseph M. Hooker (brothers) and the daughters' names are Mary Elizabeth , and Mahala C. Hooker. Matilda is believed to be part Cherokee. Her maiden name is not proven. The family migrated to GA during the 1840s and is listed in the 1850 census in Walker CO GA, having added a boy child in 1849. After 1850, we find Moses has already left the South, and has departed for adventure, and the search for gold. My research has located a M. Hooker in the 1850 census in Sutter CO CA. I am presently pursuing this lead. Joseph M Hooker has married Elefair (sp?) and has moved to Alabama for the duration of the '50s. He eventually migrates to Middle Georgia and settles there, By this time, John Perry and his family have moved to Middle Georgia and have added more children to their brood, and have remained there. By trade, John Perry was a wainwright, and possibly did other carpentry to supplement his income. Joseph M. was a carpenter. This is my first installment concerning this group of HOOKERS. I welcome any knowledge of this family you can offer. We are looking for parents' names, and specific birth and death info for these family members. Jennifer Sherwood Braswell